How to clear the HDD completely

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ntara1123-1358463

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Jul 9, 2013
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So, when i originally built the computer i installed a 1TB hdd and installed windows on it. Later i decided to install a ssd to put my operating system but this messed up all my files as i was unable to use all the programs from my hdd while using the os on my ssd. now i want to start all over(since i didnt have that many programs anyways). how can i clear both of my drives.
 
Solution
popatim
When you are on the where to install windows to part of the install process, at the bottom of their is the option to delete the partitions. Delete them all and then shut down and connect only the ssd and begin the installation process again. Once windows is inistalled you can reinstall the HDD, initialize it, and begin installing whatever software you want to it.

While this doesnt actually erase anything but the master file table it will make your drives look like they are empty and only special recovery software will know there are actually files still out there.
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PapaCrazy

PapaCrazy

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Dec 28, 2011
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One of the best utilities you will ever use is called Partition Magic. It's a freeware disk image that you burn to a CD, and then boot into instead of an OS. It has a sweet GUI, it really is an awesome utility. Partition Magic runs off RAM and can do almost anything you want to a drive. It can wipe (or "clean erase") a disk which is the function you are looking for, it also creates partitions and formats. When OS tools aren't powerful enough to deal with major data problems, Partition Magic has come through with flying colors for me. I also use it to clean erase any SSD/HDD before a reinstall. I think you'll enjoy using it.
 
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popatim

popatim

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Dec 2, 2009
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When you are on the where to install windows to part of the install process, at the bottom of their is the option to delete the partitions. Delete them all and then shut down and connect only the ssd and begin the installation process again. Once windows is inistalled you can reinstall the HDD, initialize it, and begin installing whatever software you want to it.

While this doesnt actually erase anything but the master file table it will make your drives look like they are empty and only special recovery software will know there are actually files still out there.
 
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